Is Soapstone Porous?

More Info: Unlike other natural materials used in kitchen applications such as granite and marble, soapstone is not porous. Because of this, soapstone does not need to be sealed to inhibit liquids from penetrating it. Its impermeable surface is one of the characteristics of soapstone that makes it attractive to homeowners.

Two Types of Soapstone

There are two types of soapstone, one used by artists, and the other used in architecture. Artists use the softer of the two for carving, and the other is used in architectural applications such as countertops, sinks, and flooring.

The talc content determines how hard soapstone is. The higher the talc content is, the softer the soapstone will be. The soapstone used in countertop and sink applications generally contains 60-75% talc.

So Soapstone Doesn’t Require Maintenance?

Though soapstone is virtually maintenance free, any liquid that is spilled on its surface will change the color of the stone until it is removed. Because of this, many installers will recommend that mineral oil be applied to the surface to keep the color tone even. If opted for, mineral oil would need to be applied one per week for the first three months, then once per month thereafter as mineral oil does evaporate.